2026 Citizen of the Year named
GFWC IL Fairbury Woman’s Club has been honoring an outstanding volunteer since 1987.
They are pleased to announce the 2026 Citizen of the Year Marcia Scherr.
Marcia was born at the Methodist Hospital in Peoria and raised on a farm near Washburn, IL. Her family moved to Fairbury in 1957. Marcia graduated from Fairbury- Cropsey High School and attended Illinois State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She married Roger Scherr in 1969.
After following Roger with his army stint they moved back to Fairbury. Roger and Marcia had 2 sons, one who passed away as a young adult.
Marcia started her serious volunteer work in 1980. She volunteered to teach nursery school at the Lutheran Church for 6 weeks.
Marcia has organized and led an exercise class for the past 16 years. The class is held weekly on Tuesday and Thursday, attended by area women of various ages, with Marcia instructing it.
Marcia has been Culinary Superintendent at the Fairbury Fair since 1977. She followed Roger’s grandmother and mother’s example as they were the superintendents before her. She decorates floral hall according to the theme each year, planning, obtaining and making these decorations starts months ahead of the fair. Marcia is looking forward to the 2027 Fairbury Fair as this will be her 50th year as Culinary Superintendent.
Marcia volunteers at the Heart and Soul Thrift Store in Pontiac one morning a week. She started doing this after her husband passed away 2 years ago. This has been an interesting experience for her and brought many new friends into her life.
Marcia has been on many church committees. She is currently on the Finance Committee and Pastor-Parish Committee. Marcia is President of the Fairbury United Methodist Women’s Group which meets monthly. She guides the group as they plan for the July rummage/bake sale. They also assist with the Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, held in December, in conjunction with the Christmas Parade. She solicits food for funeral meals at the church and assist with serving the meals. Bulletin boards need to be created at the church and the group assist with designing and assembling them.
This group also readies the kitchen for Bloodmobile 10 months per year.
For the past 2 years Marcia has organized luncheons for recent widows. She secured speakers and prepared a light meal with the help of friends. These gatherings gave these widows a way to connect with each other as they adjust to their loss.
November and December bring a chance for Marcia to ring the Salvation Army bell outside of Dave’s, as often as she is able. She enjoys this way to make a connection with area residents as well as supporting the needs of the Salvation Army.
Marcia has for over 20 years had a calling to reach out to people with a hand written card. This could be birthday, anniversary, get well, sympathy, thinking of you or welcoming a new baby. She has sent out an endless amount of cards.
Quoting Marcia “The Fairbury community offers many ways to volunteer. I hope to continue my small efforts with the fair, the exercise class, bell ringing, church work or in whatever capacity I can help others.”
GFWC IL Fairbury Woman’s Club will be hosting an Open House in Marcia’s honor on Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Fairbury, IL. Please plan to come join us in celebrating Marcia and all her volunteer work.
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